Students from Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies have achieved significant success at the first-ever MEDI-HACK MAKEATHON, a medical device design competition held in Vientiane, Laos. The event, which took place on September 20-21, 2025, at Makerbox Lao, saw students from the Computer Science and Information Science program secure three top awards.
The MEDI-HACK MAKEATHON was initiated to provide a platform for Thai and Lao students to collaborate, explore, develop, and innovate solutions aimed at improving quality of life, with a specific focus on medical devices. The competition involved eight teams comprising students from both countries, working intensively over eight weekends from early August to the end of September. Throughout the duration, participants received guidance from over 15 experts and speakers across various fields.
Eight students from Khon Kaen University’s Computer Science and Information Science program – Ms. Sirinda Thongkaem, Ms. Narissara Matsud, Ms. Sineenart Inthisaeng, Mr. Chin Chapanya, Mr. Nattawut Somsiha, Mr. Puttipong Ngamjaturat, Mr. Nawaprom Poopapiew, and Mr. Sinsamut Khunpimul – developed and presented their innovative projects to a panel of esteemed judges. The judging panel included faculty members from Khon Kaen University’s Faculties of Engineering and Medicine, the National University of Laos’ College of Engineering, experts from a medical rehabilitation center, and advisors from House of Training Luxembourg.
Their dedication and continuous development efforts resulted in Khon Kaen University students winning multiple accolades:
- First Prize: Team 5, for their “INFUSION ALARM DEVICE,” which included Mr. Nattawut Somsiha (4th-year Computer Science and Information Science student). The team received 5 million Kip.
- Second Prize: Team 6, for their “HEARING AID,” which included Mr. Puttipong Ngamjaturat (2nd-year Computer Science and Information Science student). The team received 3.5 million Kip.
- Third Prize: Team 4, for their “BUBBLE CPAP8,” which included Mr. Chin Chapanya (3rd-year Computer Science and Information Science student). The team received 2 million Kip.
This achievement was supported by the guidance and mentorship of Assistant Professor Dr. Saranya Kanjareuk and Assistant Professor Dr. Noppakoon Boonsim. Assistant Professor Dr. Suntaree Boochitchon, Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Associate Professor Dr. Wanlapa Wongsilatham, Associate Dean, attended the event to congratulate the participating students and award winners. They also presented tokens of appreciation to Mr. Ken Streuker, CEO of Makerbox, and Mr. Konemany Kanlaya, the initiator and organizer of the Hackathon.
The successful participation of Khon Kaen University students in the MEDI-HACK MAKEATHON highlights their innovative potential, collaborative skills, and commitment to applying computer science and information knowledge to solve problems and foster sustainable societal development in the Mekong sub-region.
